Chavan snubs NCP over 'ultimatum', says is firm in saddle

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan snubbed NCP over an ‘ultimatum’ given by party leader Praful Patel on its demand to contest 144 seats in October 15 Assembly elections, saying that such discussions are not held through press conferences.

"Such discussions are not held through press conferences. Talks are on between the two parties," Chavan told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Navi Mumbai near here.

Addressing a press conference, Patel told Congress to revert on the issue of seat-sharing and said that his party will "wait a day longer".

Against the backdrop of stalemate in the Congress-NCP camp over the seat-sharing formula, Chavan said Congress will declare its first list of candidates tomorrow.

"A first list of the candidates would be declared on Monday. None of the alliances have taken shape as of yet and list of candidates has also to be declared. Only a few days are left now," Chavan said.

Taking a swipe at his detractors, Chavan said, "Congress is facing the election under my leadership as the Congress high command has reposed faith in me."

He was addressing a meeting of residents from Karad in Satara district in western Maharashtra living in Navi Mumbai, this evening. Karad is the hometown of the chief minister.

"I have sought ticket for Karad South Assembly constituency. I have conveyed to the high command that I would like to contest from my home constituency of Karad South. I have done a lot of work in the area and brought funds for the development in last three years," he said.

Amid reports that Chavan is searching for a safe seat, the sitting Congress MLA from Karad South, Vilaskaka Patil Undalkar has declared that he would contest as Independent if he is not renominated.

Pitching for his candidature from the seat, Chavan said, "I began my political career with the blessings of people of Karad and sought their help in the next phase of my political career."

"I have focused on developmental works and people-oriented schemes rather than personal matters. The transparency came after I took over. I resolved issues of people of Mumbai, Thane and even Navi Mumbai. Demands were heard of the people like mill workers who built Mumbai," the chief minister said.

Over 1000 people, hailing from Karad but currently settled in areas of Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mumbai, attended the function held at Shetkari Samaj Hall in Koparkhairane.

"Karad is my hometown and I am deeply touched and motivated by the support my people have given me. With your help, we will be back in power on October 19," Chavan said.

Appealing to people to bring Congress back to power for "overall development" of the state and particularly of Karad and Satara district, Chavan said that the repeat of verdict of the Lok Sabha elections will prove "dangerous" for state.

"I was asked to contest from various other constituencies but my native of Karad is close to my heart. While presenting the list of candidates to the Congress high command and scrutiny committee in Delhi I have expressed my keenness to fight the election from Karad and I am sure you people will help me win with huge margin to serve the state again," Chavan said.